Hewitt out of US Open
2008-08-20 07:48
Sydney - Australia's Lleyton Hewitt said on Wednesday he had withdrawn from this month's US Open after having surgery for a nagging hip injury.
The 2001 US Open winner, who last week lost to world number one Rafael Nadal in their second-round match at the Beijing Olympics, has been dogged by a hip complaint for months.
On his website, the former world number one said he had exhausted every other option besides the surgery, which involved a hip arthroscopy and the repair of a hip labral tear, until now.
"Surgery was always the last resort, but unfortunately that's what it came down to," he said.
Hewitt said he was disappointed that the injury had ruled him out of the US Open, adding that his recuperation would likely mean he would be off the circuit for the rest of the year.
"I am also shattered that I can't lead the Australian Davis Cup team in Chile in our bid to rejoin the world group," he said.
Hewitt, 27, said he would now focus on next year's Australian Open.
"I am looking forward to playing again in January in my home country, and using that as a springboard to compete at my best again on the world stage for at least a couple more years," he said.
- AFP